Employers are being reminded of the minimum wage for students as young people begin to enter the workplace over the vacation period.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour said students must be paid no less than $11.99 per hour — or 70 per cent of the statutory minimum hourly wage rate for adults.

A spokesman for the ministry said: “Employers are further reminded that any time worked that is less than a full hour must be calculated on a pro-rata basis and compensated accordingly.”

Pursuant to the Employment Act 2000 and section 1(3) of the Contributory Pensions Act 1970, a student is defined as a person in full-time education who is employed on a Saturday or a public holiday or a period of vacation, including a half-term holiday.

Those in full-time education whose employment extends beyond these periods do not meet the definition of a student for wage entitlement and must be paid the full minimum hourly wage rate.

Employers, employees and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights and obligations under the Employment (Minimum Hourly Wage Entitlement) Act 2022.

For further information or to report potential contravention, contact the Department of Labour on 297-7716 or via e-mail at departmentoflabour@gov.bm

Alternatively, visit the department’s offices located on the third floor of Sofia House, 48 Church Street, Hamilton HM 12 between 8.45am and 5pm. The office is open from Monday to Friday.